CLASS ARACHNIDA

 Under: Phylum Anthropoda; Subphylum Chelicerata

 Greek: Aráchnē which means spider (majority of
Arachnids are spiders)
 Over 100,000 species are discovered by scientists
 Second largest group of terrestrial anthropods (next to
Class Insecta)
 Arachnids are mostly carnivorous; usually preying on
insects; some have specialized to become external
parasites
CHARACTERISTICS:
 Segmented Body. Arachnids typically have bodies that are divided into two regions. These regions are
known as cephalothorax/prosoma (anterior) and the abdomen/opisthosoma (posterior).
 Exoskeleton. This exoskeleton is made out of protein and a tough Polysaccharide called Chitin.
 Usually have four pairs of legs. These legs are one of their appendages-- any of the homologous body
parts that may extend from a body segment; external body part.
 Lacks wings and antennae.
 Have simple eyes. Their eyes are called Ocelli. Most arachnids can detect light or its absence, but don't
see detailed images.
 Possesses Chelicerae. Chelicerae looks like modified pincers that are usually located in front of the
mouthparts. It is typically known as fangs.
 Have Pedipalps. Sensory organs in spiders and as pincers in scorpions
 Fluid feeders. Arachnids infuse digestive fluids into their prey before sucking its liquefied remains into
their mouths
 Breathes through book lung. Breathes air through their tracheae or book lung—gill-like structures
 Haemocyanin. Arachnids have haymocyanin in their blood instead of haemoglobin
 Excretion through malpighian tubules. Found in the posterior region of the body.
 Open circulatory system. Dorsal tubular heart that moves fluid around internal organs
 Nocturnal
 Coldblooded
EXAMPLES:
Order Scorpiones. 2,000 species.They are relatively large arachnids that have large claw-like pedipalps,
and a seven-segmented abdomen (mesosoma) and a 5-segmented tail with a sting on the distal end. The sting
of most species is painful and accompanied by swelling and discoloration. Scorpions feed primarily on other
arthropods, such as insects and spiders. Detects through pectines (hairs on legs). Neurotoxin is their venom
which can cause paralysis. Dances in mating activity. [dances - male stings the female – Male deposits
spermatophore (a packet of sperm) – few months up to a year of development] Female can eat male scorpion
after mating for fatherly nutrients. She then carries her offspring on her back for a week. (e.g. Arizona Black
Scorpion, Deathsalker, Indian Red Scorpion)
Order Acari. 30,000 species described (.5M -1M is believed to be undescribed). The ticks and mites are
a large group of small arachnids. The body is typically oval with little differentiation between the
cephalothorax and abdomen, which are broadly joined. The larvae have only three pairs of legs and acquire
an additional pair after the first molt. Has capitulum (projecting mouth part). Female offspring are born
pregnant while the only male offspring (fertilizes all female) dies before being born. Can be terrestrial or
aquatic, free-living or parasitic. (e.g. American dog tick, Blacklegged tick, Clover mites, House Dust
mites)
Order Araneae. 40,000 species. Spiders have abdomen that are usually unsegmented and joined by a
narrow pedicel. Various species are considered dangerous, such as the black widow and the brown recluse.
Chelicerae act as fangs and are also used in carrying prey, grasping objects, and digging burrows. Pedipalps are
used for manipulating food, sensory, and transfer of sperm to a female. Has 6 silk glands. Venoms are
nuerotox (causes paralysis), digestive enzymes (digests or liquifies food), and Pain inducing amine (hinders
prey to be unable to fight back). Female can eat male after mating. (e.g. Cobweb spider, Black widow,
Redback Spider)
ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE. The arachnids play an important role in limiting the size of other arthropod
populations, especially insects.